We’ve been using Parent Pager for about two years now and things are going great. The only exception is the way this system is presented each week. From day one I’ve had the computer, label printer, laser printer and finger scanner sitting on 4 foot plastic tables covered with a cloth. This means my top-of-the-line check-in system looks like it’s on display at a yard sale. It’s time to change that.

I’ve seen other churches with nice check in stations with helpful attendants behind the counter ready to help. My church really isn’t set up for a full on Welcome Center style area. I’m dealing with hallways here. I needed some sharp looking kiosks for my check-in computers.

Have you priced these things? I can save you the trouble… they’re way out of our price range ($600-$1000+). And that’s only if you’re looking for a stock solution. If you need anything custom built the prices just go up from there. So I’m building my own check-in kiosks.

With some MDF, 2×2’s, drywall screws and some laminate I’m going to make my own check-in kiosks. They’re not the fanciest things out there… but they meet my needs. And once I’m done I’m going to post my blueprints (plans) here so your church handyman can build you some.

Pictures and more after the jump.

First I worked up a 3d rendering of the kiosk in Google Sketchup. I had a good idea of what I wanted after looking online at some of the kiosks available. I had also measured all of my check-in components to make sure my shelves where tall and deep enough.

After the first day of collecting materials and cutting the first few boards to size… I had this to show.

Day two was spent drawing out, cutting and shaping the front panel as well as picking up additional materials and learning how to laminate by watching videos on YouTube. Attached the front panel and installed the shelves using brass pegs that were pushed into 1/4″ holes. That way I can adjust them later if I need too.

On day three I had a lot of other things pulling me away from the garage, but I was still able to put my laminating learning into practice for the first time. I felt like it went pretty well. Then two coats of black satin paint over the whole thing.

Day four I painted in re-installed the shelves and laminated the edges of the front panel (inside and out). Ran out and got some cheap peg-board like material, cut it, painted it, and nailed it to the back. Then I used my drill to knock out some holes in the back panel for the wires and cords. Done!

Tomorrow I’ll take it to the church and set it up to make sure everything works properly before I build the other three.

So what do you think? I think it looks a little like a cross between Epcot’s 80’s take on the future and an iPhone. Would something like this work for your church check-in needs? Let me know in the comments.

** Update **

Here’s the kiosk set up and in place at the church. I should have taken a “before” picture to show you how much space this thing is saving.

I plan to have the Suncoast Kids logo printed on vinyl and added to the bottom. It’ll really finish it off nicely.